The Barbra Streisand Auction held October 17th and 18th at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills raised funds for The Streisand Foundation in New York which contributes to such causes as the Natural Resources Defense Council, American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, Institute for America’s Future, People for the American Way, Center for Public Integrity, Planned Parenthood, Human Rights Watch and Youth Arts USA.
Gowns Barbara Streisand wore for concerts were auctioned off. There were costumes from “The Way We Were”, “Funny Lady”, “Nuts”, “The Mirror Has Two Faces”, and “Meet the Fockers” with a surprise anoucement that for continuity reasons, who ever purchased the jewelry from “Meet the Fockers” might be getting a call from Barbra asking to borrow them back for the sequel, "Little Fockers". There were portraits, some good and some not so good, almost life size cardboard figures of Barbra and a wooden letter “a” that she kept as a momento signifying the “a” she dropped from her name changing it from Barbara to Barbra. There were everyday items and antiques, tables, bookcases, fire place poker sets, antique commodes and ceiling fans (that sold, due to a bidding war for $7,500). Mementoes from all over the world included some exquisite Japanese netsuke carvings including a baby bird in an egg shell, a frog riding a whale, a man holding a cat and a hand holding a monkey. There was also a miniature replica of one of the chariots in the tomb of the Chinese Emperor Shi Huang from the Museum of Shanghai.
Many in the audience were avid fans with some even wearing concert T-shirts and hair styles from the seventies, shoulder length wings in front, cut shorter in back. Their knowledge of their idol was extensive and not to be challenged. It was a fun audience with bids also coming in from places as varied as Miami, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium and Canada.
Barbara Streisand is a singer, writer, actress, and producer. She is the number one selling female recording artist in the United States and is tied with the Beatles for “Most Albums Reaching Top 10 Status”, with only The Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra out pacing them both. Her career began in 1962 and has lasted over four decades. She has released 63 albums, 50 of which, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, went Gold, 30 of those going Platinum and 15 of those Multiplatinum, winning ten Grammys, two Oscars and numerous other awards including Kennedy Center Honors. With nine Number One albums, her latest album “Love Is the Answer” is listed at Number One on Billboard as of October 17, 2009, Barbra Streisand’s career shows no sign of slowing down.
Whatever your favorite song may be, People ; Evergreen ; The Way We Were ; You Don’t Bring Me Flowers ; I’m the Greatest Star ; Don’t Rain on My Parade ;Cry Me a River ; Happy Days ; Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair ; On a Clear Day ; and A Sleepin’ Bee just to name a few, their popularity is undeniable. Perhaps part of the magic is that her beauty is not flawless nor is it dependent on surface perceptions but is based on talent, self confidence and an inner radiance that shines through when she performs. She doesn’t let anyone dictate her actions, she doesn’t accept defeat or settle for less than the stars she aims for, but she herself is relatable and down to earth. She represents hope and dreams despite the odds stacked against us. She is both strong and feminine and her songs and vocals touch a universal chord that is basic and eternal.
My one regret is that I was only able to attend the last day of the auction as once again Darren Julien presented a charity event that was both entertaining, fun and thought provoking for a cause well worth supporting.
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